snelsonbrown

Shirley...I have friends leaving from Port Canaveral who will probably be staying at the Radisson, pre cruise...they are sushi lovers..any suggestions where to send them for dinner? I would love if the Radisson shuttle could get them there..so location is an issue. They are trying to avoid renting a car and will have a limo service drop them at the Radisson post flight to MCO.

 

Thanks.:)

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! they are in the right place for right across the street is Thai Thai - they just cross the street and they are there - the decor is beautiful, the food is excellent - pricey but since they are the only ones in Cape Canaveral, they go for the high price.

I love and it is my favorite is Siam Orchid but that is all the way in Cocoa Beach - your friends will enjoy Thai Thai since they will be walking - PLEASE PLEASE tell them the highway is very very busy so to be extra careful .

Glad I could help

Thanks for the input, sounds like a great place and we are not too concerned about any noise from bands at the pier. We would be there mid-September. DW and I looking for 2-3 days pre-cruise beach time, rather then staying at one of the pier. We have also considered Melbourne but not really looked too much at properties there. Thanks again.

Check this site out

http://space.coast.hotelguide.net/hl1mb.htm

and also you are most welcomed

thinking of staying at the one next to pier on Cocoa. It gets good reviews on TA, was wondering of any input here. TIA.

OMG You are talking about La Quinta on Henery St right? I LOVE LOVE that place well I did when I would take my granddaughter there sometimes on the weekend so we could have our play dates every few months - it is thisclose to the pier, we got the room that faced the ocean and would sit out there to watch the people play ball, surf, fish while eating junk stuff from the places/grocery stores. I have to go there every so often and still like the place. They have a great GM with quite the sense of humor and everybody needs that in this life. I went there one Sunday and the place had the greatest breakfast put out - I wanted to stay so bad, but that wouldn't have been nice - really? I believe you will really enjoy your stay - remember we don't have anything really fancy here, but for the time spent, it is nice - make sure you tell them you are from the board - they love to hear that.

Hope that helped some.

Have a great time getting ready for your vacation

So if we do drive down Fri, stay in hotel that night prior to cruise, then we can park all week, use shuttle and not need to stay again the Sat night after the cruise? That would count for the package?

You got it girlfriend - look at post #295 and that will give you a whole lot of information that will help you with decisions.

Let us know what you decide ok?

Has anyone used Cocoa Beach Shuttle/Taxi lately? I will need transportation from the port to the airport only (disembarkment day). Do they offer this service, are they reliable, etc? I was sent some negative reviews from a friend and I am a little concerned. Any info is appreciated!

 

Thanks

Cruskitten - do a search on the CC board and then make the decision that best suits you.

Good luck and if we can help further, just drop on in :-)) and ask.

We don't need to stay the night before the cruise. We wanted to drive down Sat. morning, park for the week, take a shuttle, then stay in the hotel the Sat. night when cruise returns. Will any hotels do that?

Unfortunately Terryde, there are none that I know of in all of this area - now if you think about it, you can come in on Friday, spend the night, leave your car and I really believe you will look at a better deal money wise and if not, the only choice you have is to park at the terminal.

Sorreeeeeeeeeee :-(( I didn't have better news

Shirley -- as I read your comment about Melody not being at 4Point... I thought I'd let you know about my experience with the new general manager... although I cannot remember his name.

 

Last week, when we had some issues with our airline (flight canceled, moved to day of cruise, had to call airline and move back another day)... anyway, we ended up having to extend our pre-cruise stay 1 extra day (which we are totally loving the idea now after getting all the logistics figured out)... I had gotten a great early-pre-purchase rate at 4 Points by Sheraton for 1 night pre-cruise... but now the current rates were no where close to that rate that I a couple months ago. I called and was told that the suite that I had was not even available for the night before.... was told that I would have to check into 1 room and check out and check into a different room for the 2nd night... or to call back & talk to the GM. I did that... and he switched my suite (I was in a handicap accessible room, don't know why & didn't even realize it til then) and added the 2nd night FOR THE SAME PRICE!!! He definitely did not have to do this for me... since I was already locked into this hotel since my 1 night was already pre-paid & non-refundable. But I definitely got the feeling that he was there to make the customers happy!! :D Just thought I'd share!!

 

We are really looking forward to 2 full days pre-cruise to spend in Cocoa Beach!!

Hello Angie,

I am so glad it all worked out so well for you - I made a copy of your note and sent it to Joe P. from the Radisson to make sure it got to the owner for his attention - the Radisson, 4 Points and Quality Suites are all sisters and all owned by the same person - this way the GM will get recognized for his efforts to please the customers - I will go by 4 Points and meet the new GM and again thanks for the feed back

well i do prefer some COOL weather and i know the weather will be just FINE for us...i am 'predicting' that......lol...will be there precruise nite and then on our B2B stop so i will get to see a little of PC....

ya know where i will be the night before.....lol...well when i am not out trying to find some GOOD SHRIMP.....lol...

thanks SHIRLEY...have a GOOD one....it was over 100 here in the Mountain West yesterday...cooler 90 today:D

You know Star - being born and raised in Key West, I didn't know there were other types of shrimps except our delicious huge pink shrimps so saying that, Norm and I have found the shrimp dinners at florida Seafood and at Grills the best yet. They are called the Canaveral whites and I believe that is what is used more here than anything else. If you ever see "Pink Gold" Shrimps advertised -GO FOR IT - expensive but worth the monies.

Its been nice talking to you and take care - we hit 92 here today on the beach and without one breeze but I will keep it rather than the cold - you can enjoy the cool weather up your way :-))

Until next time - so long

Shirley- I just wanted to thank you for pointing me in the direction of Mike and VIP Limo. He picked us up from the Freedom of the Seas on Sunday and was phenomenal. He called as we were walking through customs and it was an absolute breeze meeting up with him. I HIGHLY recommend him to everyone else!

I would like to say to you and the rest of the gang that I sincerely and truly enjoy helping anyone through this board - I miss Preston who started the first thread for I enjoyed his humor, his knowledge and just him - I wished so much that he would have continued here for sometime I feel very guilty and sad that he didn't follow his thread that he started about 3 or so years ago.

I am not always right but I always try to prevent confustion especially for anyone coming here for the first time - I always leave the final decision to those who ask and another thing I will never recommend just one person/company, I will give you choices.

Cruise Critics has been excellent in allowing this thread to continue so that everyone feels like they are in a "safe zone" area and to them we all do owe a big thanks to.

Thanks for allowing me to help and I am so glad that Michael worked out for you. Mom and pop businesses are great. When I spoke to Mike at great lenght, I explained to him exactly what the cruisers expected and if there was a problem, he needed to address it right away along with all the others that I feel are high on the list. I know there are more out there, but the ones on the "list" are the ones that I have seen their preformance with their customers and guest.

Anyhow I will be doing another "upgraded" list since I have to change some stuff such as Melondie is no longer with 4 Points and is now at la Quinta on North Atlantic Avenue - she is a great GM and goes also the extra lenght to please her guest -

Enough said = glad I could help and hope your cruise was great and enjoyable.

come on back and we will still be here.

Blessings always

Thanks Shirley. At least I know there is a chance for warm weather. I'll wait until closer to the cruise to make definite plans. Does Nassau generally have the same weather as PC?

Let me make it super easy for you - go to post #295 and almost at the beginning I have different links for the weather here, Nassau etc and you can follow everything on those links. this way you can at least have an idea as to what you are facing - I know I really tried to warn folks how cold it was here and once here everyone was flocking to all the stores getting warmer clothing - for the first time in years, our stores were so low on winter clothes, they took the sales for off them -

Enjoy and keep in touch as it gets closer to your time to come down ok?

I know there are no guarantees because Mother Nature has been really wacky lately but how cold is the norm for Nov 29th???? I know last year was unseasonaby cold in Florida, but how cold is your usual cold? Are beach days over by the end of November?

Peg it is so hard to predict - I have seen it so warm in Nov and Dec, we have used the a/c

and folks flocking to the beach and then so cold, folks dressed like we lived at the North Pole

Last year our real cold didn't hit until December 28 and it was a bitter one - even our snowbirds here were going home since in some places "home" was warmer than us.

My suggestion it to keep a watch on the weather reports in this area and you can at least get a general idea.

Good luck and lets hope for a warm winter

havent been in a hurricane...but lots of typhoons...hopefully in December the hurricanes have passed!

but NICE to know there are still GOOD PEOPLE out there!!

THANKS SHIRLEY;)

Hello Jan - by December we will be having COLD WEATHER - leave me with the summer - hurricanes and all for at least with hurricanes you know about where it is going to hit and with all the others, its a hit here, hit there and that is scary as the devil - will chat with ya when you get down here ok?

Hi~!

 

Maybe someone can help me. :-)

We will be cruising soon, coming in a day early. Staying at the Residence Inn on Astronaut Blvd. In 2006, we stayed at the Radisson and turned right out of the parking lot, not sure if the main road has the same name or if this is N. Atlantic Ave. Anyways, we traveled on this road a piece and came upon a chinese buffet restaurant. I have no clue of the name or if it is still there. I do remember it was in a small strip mall. Does anyone have a good chinese buffet restaurant they would highly recommend in this area?

My husband loves chinese~! It has been a few years so maybe something new has been built. Any help would be great. We prefer a buffet to ordering from a menu.

 

Thank you so much~!!!

Hello StGeorgecruisers,

From the Country Inn and Suites all the way down for miles - the avenue is called, Astronaut until you come to the triangle, then it is North Atantic Avenue, then South orlando, but it is ALL STILL A1A - The place you are talking about is called Grand Buffet and located at 655 North Atantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach --phone number is 321-868-0283

It is about 4 or so miles South of the Residence Inn on the west side - The little young man who waits on your table is named Andy and what a bright kid for being 9 years old.

Loves his tips and smart as a whip.

Shirley, Thanks so much for all your wonderful info (post#295), it has made planning easy. We are driving in from SC in Oct for a NCL Sun cruise. Thinking of precruise stay at Fawlty Towers And was wondering if they are oceanfront and as nice as its looks on web. Then just parking at the port. NCL has not informed us to which terminal they will be using. Is all the parking in garages or open? Last time out we arrived at terminal, showed cards, dropped tagged bags,parked car, rode van to line and were on ship in 15min.( hope we are not spoiled ) Thanks again for your post. Your caring for the Port area and more for the people coming in really shows and is appreicated much more than you know... Bob & Peg

Bob you are going to love FT - it is thisclose to the beach and a nice part of the beach too and also you are close to so much and can walk just about everywhere - NCL should be at terminal 10 if I am correct. - There is a nice area that is garaged and the rest is open - its like who ever gets there first, get the garages. Remember tho it is very secure and your vehicle will be safe.

I really believe you will be fine - besides that you are going on an adventure so keep that in mind and don't let anything spoil it ok?

We are spending 1 night precruise at Ron Jons Resort - what is the best way for a party of 7 to get from the Orlando airport to the resort and then from the resort to the cruise terminal without renting a car???

Go to post #295 or just do a search and you will be amazed at what you will find.

Good luck

Just by curiosity how much are you paying for the night at Ron Jon's resort???

IF you attend one of their high pressure meetings about being interested in one of their time sharing units, the cost is nil - remember tho, it is VERY high pressure - just a thought

Hi Shirley,

 

I've been reading the valuable information you share, and it has helped tremendously. I have a transportation question.

 

We plan to stay at either the Country Inn or Radisson, and want to go to Rusty's for an early dinner. We won't have a car, and don't plan to take a car seat for DD (age 5). Do any local taxi companies have car seats in their vehicles? Would it be possible (and not too horrible) to take the transit (beach trolley), so that we don't have to worry about the car seat issue? Thanks.

Hello Savannah7,

The Radisson has their own shuttle and they will drop you off and pick you up at no charge.

As for the beach trolley (AND I LOVE THE TROLLEY), they do not go as far as the Cove where Rusty's is located - you know if I were you, go to post #295 and write both Joe P from the Radisson and Bud Burch from the CI&S and they will give you a better option.

BTW Norm and I love Rusty's - don't know really why except maybe its so casual and the service is great, but is the place we hit the most - IF you use a local cab company, when you call them, make sure you tell them you will need a car seat for your DD - it is a TOP priority and the fines can be VERY STEEP if you don't use them.

Anyhow I know I didn't answer you very well, but if I can help further, just let me know OK?

always a forever friend of CC and everyone

shirley

WOW that is just WONDERFUL...GOOD to hear these type of STORIES

you definitely are a SWEETIE SHIRLEY;)

Jan there have been numberous of times that Norm and I have come to the rescue and there are never ever any strings attached - the only thing we did accept were the thank you. These particular families had never experienced hurricanes before and they all had kids which concerned them even more - Joe and Bob both came across into the barrier island after we were closed off to help with these families - as time approaches bad weather, I will put my cell phone number down so that it can be a safe zone number - its always good to know there is friends around that will help.

Take care and have a great time on your cruise.

Hugsssssssssss

Hi everyone -

Just trying to get some advice for our cruise this weekend out of Port Everglades - Ft. Lauderdale.

 

We are driving in that morning and will park at the port. Once we drive into the port, this is where my question and doubts are.....

 

How would you suggest is the best way to handle this? Should I drop off my party at a certain spot and then go and park the car?

or

Would you suggest parking and then strolling over to the enterance together?

 

If someone who has experienced this can give me some advice on how to make the process smooth, I would greatly appreciate it. I don't want to start things off wrong on our first day - just getting on the cruise.

We are on the Emerald Princess for Sunday...

 

Thanks fo your help in advance! :)

Hello Caroline Shores - wish I could help you, but you would need to post either on the thread for the Emerald Princess or ask for help from those that are sailing from that port or just maybe someone from here can answer your question for you.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good morning Shirley,

Thanks for the e-mail info for JoeP. I e-mailed him and he responded right away. We're coming in, from NJ, on 7/17 for our pre-cruise stay at the Radisson and I wanted to make sure everything was in place. He's a very nice man and I'm looking forward to meeting him.

Another one of your "good guys", Chris from La Quinta is taking care of us when we finish our cruise. We're going to stay a few day at his hotel, post cruise. Boy you know all the good people.

Oh, I forgot, Mike from VIP Limo is picking us up at Orlando Airport. Great guy.

Thanks for everything. I think we're all set.....now just to get over my plane fright:( and everything will be great.

Amy

Hello Amy - I am sure glad you were made to feel comfortable with all your contacts - all of them are really great - make sure you do tell them you are off this board for it is due to the kindness of the CC board members that they allow the help that is offered here and should be given recognization how much their work in putting together this whole concept, helps so many. Its a shame that threads such as this one isn't in other ports so folks will at least could feel as comfortable as to where they are going, staying, seeing etc and feel as secure as those coming here feel.

Anyhow once you get on the plane, close your eyes and let your mind drift to what a great time you are going to have you will be fine honest ;-)

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i am booked at the Radisson in December and its NICE to see your post about JOE~the GM with a heart!!!

i feel GOOD about my decision to stay there and i am sure we will have a GOOD time!!

thanks to SHIRLEY and EVERYONE posting about the Radisson!!

now just to make my travel arrangements with shuttle company and we will be on our way~~~in 4 months 3 weeks:D

Jan I am so glad that things are working out for you - I try to be very bias about my comments on people, places and just stuff, but I have to be upfront in my own thoughts and feelings and what I have actually seen or heard myself - I give a lot into consideration

and always let anyone and everyone knows that these are my own thoughts and my own feelings. Joe is a great person - short story - 6 years ago, I ended up with 4 cruise families that were stranded here just hours before the hurricane was to hit - they contacted me on my cell, Norm and I picked them up and I started making phone calls - Joe found them ALL a safe zone place in Orlando to stay and Bob F. with Avis made the transportation possible by lending these 4 families (18 folks in total) cars to get out of here

so yes there are still folks out there that really go over the top to help. We really do try to make you feel very safe while here.

Have a great day everybody

Thought you might find this very interesting -------ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!

An online uproar recently followed the announcement that Carnival Cruise Lines would not allow passengers to bring on board personal grooming appliances (hair dryers, crimpers and the like) that exceed 700 watts. Carnival spokesperson Jennifer de la Cruz characterized the new restriction as a mistake and said it was in place less than a day, but the vociferous response touched off a spate of discussions about what is and is not confiscated on cruise ships. So what are the forbidden items ? Read on to find out.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines specify that in addition to guns, illegal drugs, fireworks and ammunition, all lighters with fuel are forbidden unless they are in a DOT-approved case. You can't have realistic replicas of explosive devices, either. No matches are allowed except one packet of safety matches in carry-on luggage. Most cruise lines don't allow irons because of the danger of fire, but generally they are provided for passenger use in the laundries, where they have automatic cut-offs.

From there, the rules change line by line. Royal Caribbean International, for instance, allows walkie-talkies up to five watts and covering up to 10 miles, as do Disney and others. But Disney doesn't permit VCR/DVD players, Nintendo or other video game consoles because of compatibility issues with stateroom TVs. You can't bring metal detectors on their ships or onto their private island, Castaway Cay, because anything found would have to be returned to the owner or donated to charity. Most cruise lines don't allow knives longer than three or four inches on their ships, and they don't want baseball bats, hockey sticks, spears, cricket bats, or bows and arrows.

Royal Caribbean forbids HAM radios, bleach or surfboards, except the ones the line offers for its FlowRider. Crystal and Carnival want passengers to skip the Segways, too. Carnival passengers have to leave their throwing stars at home and Princess guests will have hookahs confiscated. And, sorry, forget the pepper spray, handcuffs, etc. Slingshots, blowguns and medical marijuana also are on the confiscation list for many lines.

Alcohol policies vary drastically, and lines like Royal do not return any alcohol confiscated on embarkation day - contrary to the wisdom of the Web, where passengers urge one another to try smuggling in the booze, since the cruise line will just hold it until the end of the sailing if they catch you. Disney allows guests to bring alcohol on board to drink in staterooms; Holland America Line allows only wine and champagne at embarkation, with a limit of two bottles of wine per stateroom, while other lines allow guests to drink what they buy in port, but not to bring alcohol on board at embarkation.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't allow alcohol brought on board and is popularly thought to be the strictest line in enforcing the policy. Cruise lines that include drinks in the ticket price, like Regent, Windstar, Silversea and Seabourn, will allow guests to bring their own alcohol on board and drink it in their staterooms; generally, if passengers want to bring their own bottles to the dining room, there is a corkage charge.

If you don't read the rules carefully, one item that may be prohibited on board is your child. Although a handful of lines allow children of all ages, many prohibit infants under six months or a year, and some only allow children two years old and up. If you come to the ship with an underage child, you and the child are likely to be told you cannot board -- and no compensation will be offered.

Because of the threat of fire, cruise ships are concerned about overloaded extension cords and multi-plug adapters, which many insurance companies frown on even on shore. This is a gray area, and most of the lines allow their security people license to judge whether something is dangerous. Portable fans are another bone of contention. Why do passengers bring them? Some prefer the fan to air conditioning, and others want them for the soothing white noise they generate. Some cruse lines require guests to clear their fans with a staff electrician. The cruise lines can confiscate anything they consider a threat to the safety of the ship at any time, from the initial screening before boarding, until the time passengers get off the ship. It isn't unusual for someone who has left a hair curler plugged in, while away from a stateroom, to find that it has been removed. Most confiscated items are restored at the end of the cruise - apart, of course, from explosives, etc. And the vast majority of passengers never even run into an issue. But be sure to read the cruise line policy before booking; it can save you time, money, embarrassment...and bad hair days.

Hi Shirley,

I have a question for you...we've booked the Radisson for our pre cruise stay and I would also like to e-mail Joe P, the manager. However, I cannot find his e-mail on your lists. I looked but didn't see it.....now I think my eyes are pretty good, but obviously I missed the post....must be old age, lol

Thanks for your help.

Amy

Dang it Amy, I thought I had posted it on the information page but I just looked and see I forgot it - anyhow here it is - now the only thing I am asking everybody is to please don't put my buddy Joe on overload - he has been having some serious problems with his eyes, but he is one of the greatest GM's that I know - I call him and a couple more of GN's here

"The GM's with a heart" - he will answer any and all of your questions if he can and also tell him you got it off this board - also give your thanks to CC for allowing this thread to continue to help each one of you with decisions - good and bad :-)

jpanackia@radissonport.com

Hugssssssssssssssss for a good day ok?

I was a bit concerned with some of the reviews on CC about this property..as I have booked a room for pre cruise.

 

So..I emailed Joe P...he called me to discuss my issues.:eek::D

 

He assured me that the property is undergoing some serious renovations..and that 1/3 of the hotel is still waiting for its "facelift". He anticipates those rooms being completed by the end of the last quarter of this year. The other 2/3 of the rooms and the guest common areas and pool area are completed.

 

After speaking with Joe I feel I made a good decision by booking a room at the Radisson. I've stayed at other properties but wanted a change of scenery and booked there. After speaking with Joe I feel more than comfortable with my decision. While 1/3 of the rooms are still undergoing the change..he assured me that every room is kept clean and ready for guests..and while some may be a bit "outdated" guests should feel comfortable knowing that those rooms, like all others, are kept neat and clean and "guest ready".

 

I'm also going to say that Joe P could give lessons to other businesses about customer service.:) Radisson is lucky to have him!!! I can't wait for my stay..I hope I get to meet Joe and thank him for addressing my concerns personally.

I am so glad that you wrote Joe P. - I am not kidding and I do NOT promote anyone in particular, but he, among others, will address any concerns you could have. He is the one, along with the others, who's email address I posted on the information board, who always give me permission to put his personal email address for those with concerns, questions etc.

He is a busy person, but I love the personal touch. With all of us here, we hope you each feel you are in a safe zone and can reach out for help.

Where would you recommend being the safest place to leave my SUV during the duration of the cruise? I am worried about security and finding a safe location would be ideal.

 

Appreciate Your Help,

Alecia

Hello Alecia,

You have only 2 choices - if you stay at one of the hotels, you are offered park and cruise

or leave at the port at $15.00 a day. There has been very little damages to cars parked at the hotels - security is pretty good from what I understand, but what you can do it email any of the hotels you are thinking of staying and they will explain their parking and security.

You will find most of the email addresses on post #295.

Good luck